West Molesey 'slum boats' lose battle to stay
The owners of permanently moored boats in West Molesey have been told they have to move.
Trespassing boat owners who moored permanently near Hampton Court Palace have lost their battle to stay.
The High Court rejected the appeal after civil proceedings were brought by the Environment Agency against the owners of 10 boats in West Molesey.
Three of the owners accepted a Staines County Court 2024 ruling of trespass and moved on, seven others dug in and took up the matter in the courts.
Boats are only permitted to stop on the Thames for up to 24 hours at short-stay mooring points but in West Molesey many effectively dropped anchor and remained for years – leading them to be locally known as the ‘slum boats’.
The EA said their stubbornness and refusal to move obstructed others -including holidaymakers – from stopping at the riverbank.
In April 2024, Staines County Court ruled the vessels were trespassing with Judge Simpkiss saying the EA could legally remove them – adding boats stationed permanently would change the character of the river.
The owners challenged the ruling saying it would leave them homeless but senior judges backed the original decision.
Colin Chiverton, environment manager for the Thames at the Environment Agency, welcomed the High Court’s judgement. He said: “We took this case to court to protect the public rights of navigation and mooring for everyone on the River Thames.
“The ability to stop at designated short-stay locations or other selected parts of the Thames for up to 24 hours allows for crews to refresh, recharge and refuel, but the boat-owners in this case refused to move, blocking others from docking.
“Whether it’s registration or mooring fees, everyone should pay their way on the river, helping to fund maintenance, services and facilities.”
Boaters mooring at West Molesey will be made aware that a possession order is in place and that the EA owns the land.
Mr Justice Bourne said the EA also has the right to reclaim the riverbed and take possession of the land. The seven boat-owners have six weeks to apply for permission to appeal the judgement.
If unsuccessful they will have to move their boats. Should they fail to do so the EA can have them removed.